What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accelerator Operator position at Niowave, Inc.?
Who We Are…
We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We believe in building an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and camaraderie thrive. We also enjoy darts, cornhole, ping-pong, chili cook-offs, and other fun events that makes our company a community where we make a life, not just a living.
Who You Are…
You are a naturally curious and detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in technically complex, high-responsibility environments. You enjoy understanding how systems work at a deep level and take pride in monitoring, optimizing, and troubleshooting sophisticated equipment to keep operations running smoothly.
Calm under pressure and methodical in your approach, you’re energized by diagnosing issues, interpreting data, and making thoughtful adjustments that improve performance and reliability. You’re a collaborative teammate who communicates clearly and builds trust across disciplines, while also being a self-starter who takes ownership of your work.
You value precision, safety, and accountability, and you’re motivated by contributing to meaningful outcomes through disciplined operations, continuous improvement, and strong teamwork.
What You Can Expect To Work On…
The Accelerator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a linear accelerator to support continuous radioisotope production. This position monitors and optimizes beam performance, troubleshoots system issues, maintains control systems, and ensures compliance with GMP and radiation safety standards.
We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We believe in building an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and camaraderie thrive. We also enjoy darts, cornhole, ping-pong, chili cook-offs, and other fun events that makes our company a community where we make a life, not just a living.
Who You Are…
You are a naturally curious and detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in technically complex, high-responsibility environments. You enjoy understanding how systems work at a deep level and take pride in monitoring, optimizing, and troubleshooting sophisticated equipment to keep operations running smoothly.
Calm under pressure and methodical in your approach, you’re energized by diagnosing issues, interpreting data, and making thoughtful adjustments that improve performance and reliability. You’re a collaborative teammate who communicates clearly and builds trust across disciplines, while also being a self-starter who takes ownership of your work.
You value precision, safety, and accountability, and you’re motivated by contributing to meaningful outcomes through disciplined operations, continuous improvement, and strong teamwork.
What You Can Expect To Work On…
The Accelerator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a linear accelerator to support continuous radioisotope production. This position monitors and optimizes beam performance, troubleshoots system issues, maintains control systems, and ensures compliance with GMP and radiation safety standards.
- Monitor real-time linear accelerator performance, including beam parameters, radiation levels, and system diagnostics, using advanced control software and instrumentation
- Operate and adjust control systems to optimize production cycles, troubleshooting anomalies to minimize downtime and ensure product quality
- Conduct routine system checks, calibrations, and preventive maintenance on electrical controls, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and associated hardware
- Collaborate with physicists, engineers, and technicians to implement operational protocols and respond to production demands
- Maintain detailed logs of operations, incidents, and maintenance activities in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and radiation safety guidelines
- Respond to alarms and emergencies, executing shutdown procedures, and coordinating with safety teams to mitigate risks
- Participate in shift rotations, including potential evenings or weekends, to support 24/7 production needs
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, such as updating control algorithms or integrating new monitoring technologies
- Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal
- Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization – appreciates the history of current state, know how and when to make suggestions, as well as using just the right pace to reach the improved future state
- Understands your own communication and learning styles, can assess others’ styles, and is able to find the right path to best connect with colleagues
- Associate's degree or equivalent in electrical engineering technology, industrial controls, physics, or related discipline
- 2 years of hands-on experience in electrical systems, industrial automation, or control room operations
- Strong foundational knowledge in engineering principles, including circuit theory, control systems, and basic physics
- Proficiency with control software, SCADA systems, or similar interfaces; familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and diagnostic equipment
- Displays excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Possesses ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines
- Is a resilient self-starter, who learns and acts quickly, and has keen attention to detail
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology, industrial controls, physics, or a related discipline
- Prior experience working with particle accelerators, cyclotrons, or similar high-energy physics equipment
- Certification in industrial controls (e.g., ISA Certified Control Systems Technician) or radiation safety (e.g., NRRPT)
- Background in pharmaceutical manufacturing or radiochemistry, with understanding of isotope production processes
- Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW) for optimizing accelerator performance
- Full-time position
- Niowave’s standard operating hours are Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with production related activities requiring 24/7/365 shifts
- This position will be assigned to a shift rotation
- Niowave has multiple locations within the Lansing area and travel between locations is expected in the role